Since none of us actually speak with Johnny regularly, LOL let's use our knowledge of what he's said about past roles and projects and what he's done with the roles and characters we've seen him chose over the past 20 years in discussing this one. Bryan Burrough has written about the very complex person that John Dillinger was.


Why Johnny Depp as Johnnie Dillinger?

What do you think attracted him to this role? What do you think he can bring to the film? What do you expect to see from him?

Thoughs, ideas, expectations?

Why Depp?

Johnny has an uncanny knack for bringing out the humanity in an anti-hero. I know of no other who can make you root/sympathize for the criminal in every one he has portrayed. Also, he has the same physical presence as Dillinger. And the crooked smirk. ;)

I am also expecting his sexuality to jump right off the screen at me.
:thud *shivers* :thud

When Johnny inhabits a character, he is committed. When it is a real man, he is even more committed to being as real as possible.

He's always been attracted to the "outsider" roles, people who don't quite fit the mold of what's the "norm" and I think Dillinger sure fits that bill. He wasn't the usual gangster - bank robber.

I think that JD was attracted to Dillinger because he had so "many layers" as JD states when he describes the characters he portrays in his films. I worry a bit that Dillinger could resemble CJS :captainjack to closely-to me Dillinger seems like a "pirate" of the 1930's except he was real and he commmitted murder not fantasy like our beloved CJS. Depp will bring humanity, humor, and sex appeal to the character of John Dillinger as Amp stated earlier. :) Anne r

I'm posting my reply before reading the other responses. Sorry if I repeat what others have said.

Why Johnny Depp as Johnnie Dillinger?
Who else? Given his fascination with history and desire for different roles, I feel he will be great. I remember his Packard that he took to Leno when promoting CATCF, so I think being around those old cars was a draw. Plus, he's stated before his love of the '20's and '30's, so it seems a good fit. Plus, they have the same name-lol!

What do you think attracted him to this role? What do you think he can bring to the film? What do you expect to see from him?
I think I answered the first part above. I think he will bring an accurate picture of Dillinger, but also show the "human" side of the man. Not only will expect some great action, but I think he'll be able to create some empathy for the character as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the "gentleman" bank robber as well as the "love story" with Billie Frechette. It's been awhile since we saw any romance with a Johnny character. ;)

Thoughs, ideas, expectations?
Johnny has never disappointed me with his performances, so my expectations are high. I think he'll expose this era to a young audience that may not be familiar with Dillinger and the beginning of the FBI. With Mann, I'm sure we'll see some great action, but I hope we see more of the "human" element with the characters similar to what Mann did with Collateral. Just reading about all the "history" they're trying to to achieve with the film, makes this exciting.

At the same time, I hope the whole era isn't too romanticized as the "victims" of these gangsters greatly affected their families' lives.

OK-now I can enjoy everyone else's thougths! :)

EDIT: I agree with all the above responses, too! :)

-Donna

Very interesting idea NurseAnne, about Dillinger being another "pirate"...I am anxious to see what new layers Michael Mann can get from Johnny for Dillinger that we haven't seen before. I love that Mann and Johnny haven't worked together before, a clean slate for both of them! woohoo

Amp:

Arnelle, this has been haunting me today. That's right on the money and very well said.

The Hat. The era.

I think Dillinger was the first charismatic robber.
Reminds me of Blow.

Heartfelt compassion for the good reasons Dillinger did what he did.

A tipping of the hat, and a drop dead wonderful sexy smirk for one!
Maybe a little of Sweeney's convincing techniques.

I'm really undecided as to how much humor will be in this film.
Black humor or otherwise. Other than being Charismatic and jumping over bank counters, I wonder what else will be in the film. I'm guessing it might be a more serious film, similar to Blow. I hope Johnny can add more Deppth to it, to show his growth as an actor in general.

Donna, I agree, it's about time we had a romantic plot line and that's something to look forward to!


I think Mann could really bring out something we haven't seen from Johnny yet...something new. Maybe he was attracted by the thought of working with a new group of film makers? He's always talking about trying something new...or different...something he hasn't done before...

We have an accord!

Great thoughts everyone---I admit I'm looking forward to a drop dead gorgeous Dillinger look from Johnny for some reason, too. B) I'm glad that he is branching out with a new director, as well. Interesting how he went from 2 familiar directors, Gore & Tim, to someone well known but not one he's worked with before. I also like the very different role he's chosen---from our "good man" Capt. Jack to tortured serial killer barber to the charismatic Dillinger. There's not too many actors that have such a diverse resume. The only drawback is we have to wait another year before we see the results.

-Donna

We've been so spoiled lately... B)

As Karen stated in an earlier post it will be interesting to see how Mann will handle the character development of Dillinger. Last there was a script description posted here on JDR that predicted PE would be Mann's "best film" and would assure him jobs for the next ten years and it hinted at non stop action but questioned depth of characters-so maybe JD's acting skills can provide the character development along with lots of action. :) Anne r

:thumbsup yes!

Be sure to read this account of Mann and Depp visiting the Dillinger farm and how they talked with family.

http://johnnydeppreads.com/index.php?showtopic=5075

Trying to catch up here. I am finally over a 150 pages into the book. After the comments I realize I should watch Blow. (never seen it)

The pirate/outsider idea came to me immediately. I have already spied some very CJS moments in the book. (pg. 64) But I trust they will not take center stage.

What has attracted me to the book, so far, has been the gravity and unvarnished picture Burrough has drawn of the people and the crimes. I do not want to feel sympathy for Dillinger even though I do at times. I am agast at the amount of crime and heedlessness for life that this period of time contains. (times is hard Mr. T)

I think that Johnny will make me like Dillinger against my will (which I think was probably true in real life) but also leave me a little confused as to his complete character. I also think he may be drawn to the amazingly strong family ties that existed among this group of outlaws. Another thing that I thought might be a draw for JD is the wrong route/spiral out of control life Dillinger had. JD has had some of those times earlier in his life and has come through them with flying colors. (ok pun) Dillinger never found the path out or never wanted too or it never crossed his mind? (I'm not far enough into the book to know)

Deppends

Dunno if I'm a little late in responding to these questions, but I am reading a second book on Dillinger (Dary Matera) and picking up even more similarities between our JD and Dillinger. I tear a book up with hightlights and comments but I thought these were interesting similarities and since Johnny often identifies with a character, perhaps these helped to draw him to the role.

1. Obviously, both have similar initials - JD
2. They are both "juniors" named for their fathers.
3. Both born in June - Dillinger on 22, Johnny 9th. Both birth years end in 3.
4. Both had blended families with children from other marriages.
5. Both hunted, good shots with guns
6. Both practical jokers at school and later
7. Both left school at around age 16
8. Both called Johnnie or Johnny
9. Both rolled their own cigarettes - Bull Durham and Bali Shag.
10. Both had an older sister that looked out for them
11. Both got into mischief quite a bit as children/teens

Just my thoughts here.

Holly

Great thoughts Holly ! :thumbsup

These are great to read about how they have so much in common. After I saw the picture of Johnny with Dillingers relative, it got me thinking. Does anyone know as to why he did the things he did? I know it must have been because of the Depression, but is there any thing else? Does anyone know what I am trying to ask? Did I put this in the right spot?

lots of similarities there thanx

Amber have you read Public Enemies? It gives a little insight into Dillinger's life. I believe Karen has some links where you can read up on him, too. From what I gather, when he was very young, he had a brush with the law and was severely punished by being sent to prision. While there, he "learned" the life from the different criminals he came in contact with. This is probably a simple explanation, but I would guess it would go to his personality as well.

-Donna

Sure, the "Why?" question could be answered by using pent up anger at society for putting him in prison in the first place, for a long time at such a young age, but I'd think that would break a man's charisma, and he'd come out a hardened criminal with no charisma left of any sort. So I too, still ask "Why?". His charismatic actions seem to have some other 'goal'. It's probably a yet unanswered philosophical question. Hopefully Johnny can shed some light on it!

Thanks Donna and Depputante for answering Amber's questions. We may never know why he did what he did. We can look at his life, but never know why. Thanks for asking that Amber.

Interesting happenings on page 64. lol

I agree with you, I firmly beleive that Bryan Burrough did a fantastic service to these people in this book. You said

I think he wrote a solid and well crafted book, I think he made them human.

I agree--BB put a "human" face on these criminals. It reminds me about how I felt about George Jung in BLOW. He definitely deserved what came to him, but looking at his childhood, family, etc. did help to make him more "human" even though his illegal activities were awful.. I think I'll probably feel the same way about Dillinger once I see Johnny's version of him.

-Donna

Okay, I know they are going to start filming this month. Can someone tell me why we have to wait nine months to see any thing from PE? I don't understand why? I must sound really stupid, but I just can't see reason behind it.

Amber, a lot has to happen to get a film ready to release and Michael Mann is a perfectionist.

This is a link to a site that will give you the basic info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_production

Great detective work there Holly--interesting isn't it?

~D

Below is a quote from: http://johnnydeppreads.com/index.php?showtopic=5075


"As my grandmother used to say, 'Don't romanticize John, but don't villanize him, either.' He was who he was. John was different than some of the other criminals of his era," Scalf said. "He wasn't mean-spirited or the first to pull out a gun. I hope this movie will show all sides of John."

Grandma seemed to know what she was talking about. LOL

I certainly wouldn't romanticize Dillinger. Along with all the other public enemies, he had a choice to do what he did. I don't want MM to romanticize him either. He killed people. The only difference was, he felt bad when he did. But, bottom line, he was a killer. It was fun to think of Johnny while reading this book. I know Johnny will get every emotion and every feeling out of Dillinger and make it his own. I'm so glad that people are finally starting to see just what kind of actor Johnny is. You can go to a Tom Cruise movie or a George Clooney movie and always know that's who you're watching (I mean no ill will toward TC or GC). Johnny is different. Johnny becomes the character, and I forget that I'm watching Johnny. I feel like I'm actually watching the person he's portraying. That, I believe, is why MM chose JD to play JD.

Good points Ellen! Yes, Johnny is the one to play this role as he will portray both sides of Dillinger. (Yet I think he'll be a much more attractive Dillinger than the real one :P ) We do need to remember that there were victims during this time. If I remember correctly, Dillinger supposedly only killed one man(I know, that's one too many)---BFNelson was the real loose cannon and he didn't seem to have any remorse about it. I'm glad you're jumping in the discussion! :)

-Donna

Thanks Donna. I'm really enjoying it....even though I'm a few weeks late! ;)

It's never too late to jump in and add anything to a discussion. Especially this one! So much is going on and so many people are just getting the book and reading it! We can keep it going as long as someone wants to post about it! woohoo